The Wake County Sheriff's Office said the ordeal started when deputies tried to pull over a silver SUV for a traffic violation on I-540 near the Angus Barn.

"The vehicle failed to stop, took off at a high rate of speed, appeared to be throwing something out the car," said Sheriff Donnie Harrison. "It looked like dope - some kind of contraband out the car."

The suspects exited 540, speeding down Glenwood Avenue, smashing into a guard rail before finally stopping near Six Forks and Wake Forest roads near the Crabtree Greenway.

Police and K-9 units scattered to find the two suspects who jumped out and ran. They found one by the nearby creek.

At the end of the chase, the vehicle sat wth its front end smashed and two blown-out tires.

"We'll take this car and go through it with a fine tooth comb," Harrison said.

Students and parents at nearby Joyner Elementary School were arriving for the school's annual fall jamboree when they were suddenly interrupted by the sound of helicopters and an army of law enforcement.

The fall festival was abruptly called off. The school was put on lockdown for a time.

Moms like Keashonda Barnes rushed to pick up their children.

"It's just the mom in me to protect my child," Barnes said.

As the sun set, there was still no sign of the second suspect.

"Anytime it's dark it gives them the advantage," Harrison said. "We'll know who we're looking for. We'll eventually get him."

The Wake County Sheriff's Office, Raleigh Police and the Highway Patrol are involved in the investigation.